Connect
chemo resistant
I had been found to be chemo resistant...can't believe I had to go through all of the toxic reaction and hair loss for little if anything. Had a second lumpectomy where I had a second and third lesion. At that time, had breast reduction and mastopexy. Got through all that, then started radiation. Have had 17/30 treatments with the last 5 needed to be "boosts." I have been told since I am so strongly positive that shall need to be on HRT for 10 years! Am in a quandary as to which way to go - tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors. I do have osteoporosis so am worried about additional bone loss with AIs. Any suggestions from anyone?
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Breast Cancer Support Group.
Connect
I cannot answer your question about tamoxifen or aromatase, but do have question for you. How did you find out you were chemo resistant?
I am currently undergoing chemo and asked my oncologist last week how can you tell chemo is working. He said you don't, treatment is based on statistics of what has worked best on previous patients. Do you just have to wait and see if develop another tumor?
Thanks
Laurie
@trixie1313, I'd also be interested in how they can tell someone is chemo resistant. Did they explain that to you?
Choosing between and AI or tamoxifen is very individual. Here's some information from one on my favorite websites: BreastCancer.org.
> Aromatase Inhibitors https://www.breastcancer.org/treatment/hormonal/aromatase_inhibitors
> Tamoxifen https://www.breastcancer.org/treatment/hormonal/serms/tamoxifen
> New Guidelines Prefer Aromatase Inhibitors Over Tamoxifen https://www.breastcancer.org/research-news/20100715b
In the last article, take note of the editor's note about abnormal CYP2D6 genotype. Have you been tested for how you metabolize drugs? Might pharmacogenomics be a good idea for you?
It was necessary to go back for a second lumpectomy for a lesion on the opposite side of the same breast found on MRI breast following first lumpectomy and chemo (TC) and this lesion only shrunk by 1 mm. Plus, pathology during tissue removal showed a third lesion that did not present on any scans, etc. I am 95-100% ER positive. I have had mild stroke in past in 50s which worries me about tamoxifen and also have osteoporosis and worry about calcium leaching from AIs. Have been told due to my estrogen positivity that I will need to be on HRT for 10 years. I'll go ahead and read articles...thanks for sharing.
Hi Laurie - please see my reply to Colleen below. Unfortunately, my second lesion did not shrink at all and a third lesion was also noted at pathology which did not show up on scans/MRI. I was strongly ER positive, even though my ovaries were removed at age 44. I'm just one of those ones outside of the norm.